Russian President Putin Honors Former Algerian Ambassador Smaïl Benamara with Order of Friendship

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree awarding the Order of Friendship to Smaïl Benamara, Algeria’s former Ambassador to Russia. The decree, recognizing Benamara’s substantial contributions, particularly to parliamentary development and active social and political engagement, was officially published on the legal information portal.

Having concluded his term as Algeria’s ambassador to Moscow in August, Benamara played a pivotal role in strengthening Russo-Algerian ties. The Order of Friendship, a significant honor, reflects his impactful efforts in fostering diplomatic relations and strategic partnerships.

The accolade comes in recognition of Benamara’s leadership during the signing of the Declaration on the Deepening of the Strategic Partnership between Russia and Algeria in June. This agreement marked a milestone in the cooperative endeavors between the two nations.

The Order of Friendship, one of Russia’s highest state honors, is conferred upon foreign nationals and stateless individuals for exceptional contributions to international cooperation and promoting mutual understanding between nations.

Following Benamara’s departure, the Russian government has appointed Boumediene Guenad as the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Algeria to Russia, as per a statement from the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the recent accreditation ceremony for 21 foreign ambassadors in Russia, President Putin expressed Moscow’s appreciation for Algeria’s balanced political approach. He commended the progress of Russo-Algerian cooperation, noting positive advancements in economic and trade relations.

President Putin remarked, “Russo-Algerian trade and economic cooperation are progressing at a commendable pace, with bilateral exchanges exceeding two billion dollars. Humanitarian relations are continually developing, and we value the balanced foreign policy course of the Algerian leadership.”